Arch of Titus

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Arch Titus, Forum Romanum, Rome, Italy

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Arch of Titus Detail

04 2022 Roma (Arco di Trionfo di Tito- Bassorilievi) FO228685 bis Photo by Paolo Villa

04 2022 Roma (Arco di Trionfo di Tito- Bassorilievi) FO228683 bis Photo by Paolo Villa

Arch.of.Titus-Inscription

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Arc de Triomphe de Titus - Rome - Fonds Famille Tessier

Arch of Titus

The Arch of Titus
Location	Rome, Italy
Coordinates
Type	Triumphal arch
History
Builder	Emperor Domitian
Material	Marble
Founded	AD 81
Periods	Imperial Rome
Site notes
Public access	Yes

The Arch of Titus (Latin: Arcus Titi ) is a triumphal arch located on the Via Sacra in Rome, just to the southeast of the Roman Forum. It was constructed in AD 81 by the Emperor Domitian shortly after the death of his older brother Titus to commemorate Titus's victories, including the Siege of Jerusalem in AD 70.

History

The Arch of Titus was built by Emperor Domitian to honor his brother Titus, who had been deified by the Roman Senate. The arch commemorates Titus's military achievements, particularly his victory in the Jewish War and the subsequent destruction of Jerusalem and the Second Temple.

Architecture

The arch is constructed from marble and stands at a height of 15.4 meters (50 feet). It features a single arched opening and is decorated with reliefs that depict various scenes from Titus's military campaigns. The most famous of these reliefs shows the Spoils of Jerusalem, including the Menorah and other sacred objects being carried in a triumphal procession.

Inscriptions

The arch bears an inscription on the upper part of the structure, which reads:

SENATVS POPVLVSQVE ROMANVS DIVO TITO DIVI VESPASIANI F(ILIO) VESPASIANO AVGVSTO

This translates to "The Senate and the People of Rome (dedicate this) to the divine Titus Vespasian Augustus, son of the divine Vespasian."

Significance

The Arch of Titus is an important historical monument that provides insight into Roman architecture, art, and the political propaganda of the Flavian dynasty. It also holds significant cultural and religious importance, particularly for the Jewish people, as it depicts the spoils taken from the Second Temple.

Conservation

The arch has undergone several restoration efforts over the centuries to preserve its structure and intricate reliefs. It remains a popular tourist attraction and an important symbol of ancient Roman history.

Related Pages

• Roman Forum
• Triumphal arch
• Emperor Domitian
• Titus
• Siege of Jerusalem (70 CE)
• Flavian dynasty